An examination of theory and promising practice for achieving permanency for teens before they age out of foster care

Abstract

a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f oIn this paper research is presented that examines the efficacy of Independent Living (IL) services in preparing foster youth to live "independently", and calls into question the appropriateness of an "independence" goal for youth aging out of foster care. The paper then reviews the emerging conceptualization of youth permanency in child welfare practice that focuses on lifelong connections to kin and fictive kin as requirements for permanency. The paper then reports on the success of a federally-funded demonstration project that served youth in residential treatment facilities and group homes in New York City aging out of care. It examines elements of the project model that were highly successful in achieving family-based permanency for a significant proportion of youth referred to the program and concludes that it is a promising practice model for the profession.

Differing Effects of Family Finding Service on Permanency and Family Connectedness for Children New to Versus Lingering in the Foster Care System

“…A significant proportion of youth in foster care have minimal or no relationship with parents, extended family members, or other significant adults who can provide the needed social support to make a successful transition to adulthood (Avery, 2010). Family is often considered for placement immediately after a child's removal from his or her birth parents; however, if the child welfare system makes the determination that family members are ruled not suitable for or unable to provide a placement, then their connection with the child is often ignored or discounted while the search for non-family placement continues (Wakcher, 2010).…”

Foster Care Chronicles: Use of the Arts for Teens Aging Out of the Foster Care System

“…It is not surprising that a large percentage of aged-out youth encounter multiple problems following their termination from care. These problems include early pregnancy, incarceration, poverty, homelessness, lack of education, and unstable employment (Avery, 2010;Courtney & Barth, 1996;Courtney & Piliavin, 1995, 1998McDonald, Allen, Westerfelt, & Piliavin, 1996). Avery (2010) contends that there is a lack of acknowledgement to heed "well-established theories of child development that shed serious doubt on the assumption of age 18 as the appropriate life-marker transition for adulthood and launching foster care youth into independence" (p. 399).…”

“…These problems include early pregnancy, incarceration, poverty, homelessness, lack of education, and unstable employment (Avery, 2010;Courtney & Barth, 1996;Courtney & Piliavin, 1995, 1998McDonald, Allen, Westerfelt, & Piliavin, 1996). Avery (2010) contends that there is a lack of acknowledgement to heed "well-established theories of child development that shed serious doubt on the assumption of age 18 as the appropriate life-marker transition for adulthood and launching foster care youth into independence" (p. 399). These youth frequently attempt to connect with their families of origin and even reside with some of them, but without the benefit of planned and supported family reunification services (Courtney & Dworsky, 2005;Courtney, Piliavin, Grogan-Kaylor, & Nesmith, 2001;Iglehart & Beccerra, 2002).…”

Placement Discontinuity for Older Children and Adolescents Who Exit Foster Care Through Adoption Or Guardianship: A Systematic Review

“…Thus, considerable time and public money are spent finding, approving, and monitoring legally permanent placements. One study estimates that adoption may up to 56 % cheaper than long-term foster care over time, depending on the length of time youth spend in foster care and the scope of services provided, and not including potential long-term indirect costs such as lower employment or higher incarceration rates for foster youth who reach adulthood without finding permanency (Avery, 2010;Barth, Lee, Wildfire, & Guo, 2006). Little research has rigorously examined risk factors associated with discontinuity for former foster youth.…”